AT THE EAST END.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 April 1917, Page 6

AT THE EAST END.

, A GOOD BAY'S SPORT. • Yesterday was far front being an ideal day for picnicking at the seaside. A dull sky, and no sunshine, does jiot encourage the desire to have a dip in the briny; consequently the attendance of the publie under the circumstances must- be considered very satisfactory. An energetic committee worked continuously to secure the comfort of patrons, and things were "kept going merrily. The crowd had to make their own fun, and right royally they stepped into the breach, so that the various events on the programme drew fair support, even if the same faces figured prominently.. Owing to the lateness of the year surfbathing, was in little demand, the water, in the words of a youngster, being "It are too cold!" In other respects, Secretary Bennoch and his committee, obtained excellent results, and it is 110 fault of theirs that the financial side of the gathering is not what might have been expected. There was strong opposition to contend against, in and out of town. Hitherto the East End has received liberal support from the country visitors, but yesterday the attendance was from those living in the near vicinity of the reserve. The ladies' committee was in great request, and their tea rooms received liberal patronage,, whilst the conveniences for "lunching" visitors—hot water, milk, etc., was very welcome to those with families spending the day at the seaside. Mrs George's string band was in strong force, and the music was much appreciated. A popular item was the tug-of-war between three teams of schoolboys from Central and Fitzroy, the winners being Central B. The Marathon road race, one and a half miles, drew eighteen competitors, and there was a close finish, Stepping the chain attracted 44 competitors, E. Jackson (Stratford) getting the prize with the exact measurement. The names of the committee engaged during the day are: Messrs Bennoch, ~. A. Monk, W. Hardgreaves, C. Sadler, 11, C. and P. Feek, J. Allen, G. Tippins, H, Bellringc-r, J. Koch, S. Stroud, A. B. Mackie, T. Hurley, whilst outside assistance was rendered by Messrs J. Revell, J. Baltimore, T. Fitzsimmons, N. Hill andT. Smellie. Ladies'committee: Mesdames Bennoch, A. B. Mackie, VV. Hardgreaves, J. Allen and Wells; .Misses M. and I). Gunson. Details of races:— Married Ladies.—Mrs Martin 1. Mrs Wren 2. Single Ladies.—Miss Mead 1, Miss Knight 2. Five starters, Stepping the chain—E. Jackson 1. There were 44 competitors. Winner stepped the exact distance. Farmers' Race.—Daisley 1. Marathon Race (U miles).—C. Coleman 1, Hogg 2. Eighteen starters and a closo finish. Veterans' Race.—Roberts 1. Three entered, two competed, and won in a canter. Married Men's Race.—Daisley 1, G. Tippins 2. Tug-of-war.—Central C (Read, Briston, Boswell, Scott, C. Coleman, Russell, Stroud) 1. Also competed: Central A and Fitzroy. In the evening a dance was held to wind up the day's outing. There was an excellent attendance of dancers, who quite relished the fine floor and music provided.